The mist continued to drift lazily around the witch's feet, curling and uncurling like something alive.
Kael and Edris stood still, their chests rising and falling as they struggled to steady their breathing after the brutal chase through the forest.
The woman watched them.
Her eyes were dark and sharp, studying them with quiet curiosity.
Then her faint smile widened slightly.
"Well," she said, her voice soft but carrying easily through the clearing, "that was quite the journey."
Neither brother lowered his guard completely.
Edris stepped slightly forward while Kael remained half a step behind him, his blade still loosely held at his side.
"You knew we were coming," Edris said.
The witch tilted her head.
"Of course I did."
She lifted one hand slowly and gestured toward the forest behind them.
"Few travelers reach my domain. Fewer still arrive while being chased by half the creatures that live within it."
Her eyes flicked briefly toward the trees.
